Police commissioner says “join the conversation”

POLICE and Crime Commissioner David Keane is urging residents across the county to “join the conversation” on funding for their police service.
Up until January 24, people will be able to give their views on whether funding for Cheshire Constabulary should be maintained at current levels or reduced.
The public will be able express their opinions online at www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk on whether funding for the police service should be maintained.
The online survey will only take two minutes to complete and the outcome will influence the decision the Commissioner makes about the policing precept.
There will be three options –  a two per cent increase, a one per cent increase or no increase to the policing element of the council tax.
Explaining the current financial position Mr Keane said: “Recent years have seen severe cuts to public services from successive Governments.
The result locally has been that we have had to find £52.4 million of savings over the past seven years.
“The Government has said that police budgets will be protected at current levels. However it isn’t quite that simple, as the Government commitment does not take into account inflation and is based on local Police and Crime Commissioners increasing the police share of council tax, known as the policing precept, by two per cent.”
The outcome of the survey will provide  a clear understanding of what the public think before setting the policing precept for the forthcoming year.
Mr Keane went on: “I committed to speaking to the public about police funding prior to making any decision and I am keeping my promise. I know this is a tough decision, particularly as many people are continuing to feel that they have less money in their pocket after the bills have gone out, but I believe that a 2 per cent increase, just 6p a week for a Band D average household, to maintain funding would provide strong support for local policing.
“I’m clear that maintaining current funding levels through a two per cent increase in the precept would not mean local policing stands still. Through careful re-prioritisation and increased efficiency, the people of Cheshire will see investments in areas of policing you told me were important as I developed the Police and Crime Plan. Amongst other
things, investment will be made in supporting victims of sexual abuse, local policing, investment in cutting edge technology to support public contact and road safety, and the provision of a modern fit for purpose estate all ensuring policing in Cheshire is connected with our communities.
“I have been working with Simon Byrne, the Chief Constable, to study the existing budget and will be making a number of efficiency savings. What I now need is your view on the police precept.”
*Mr Keane will be holding a road show in Warrington town centre on Thursday, January 19 from 2pm-4pm.